MINAS GERAIS

This southern state contains some extra-special natural history treats, including the best chance of seeing the maned wolf in South America, and the continent’s largest primate. It also boasts Ouro Preto, a beautifully preserved colonial town.

Serra da Canastra National Park

With a cool climate due to its altitude (900-1500 mts), many waterfalls and rivers, and two important massifs, the park is scenic and pleasant to visit and contains a large number of species in its grasslands and woods. These include giant anteater, maned wolf, armadillo and deer.

Caratinga

Near the town of that name is the Caratinga Biological Station.  This private reserve is a research centre for primates and home to a species of woolly spider monkey called the muriqui; the largest primate in South America.  Three other rare primates can also be found here: the brown capuchin, the brown howler monkey and the buffy-headed marmoset. In addition, the area boasts a wide variety of endemic birds and easily spotted mammals such as the brown throated three toed sloth. An important location for primate enthusiasts.

Caraca National Park

Within the park, an old seminary has become a popular hotel for wildlife lovers. The park has attracted the interest of ornithologists over the past decade with its many avian highlights. Night time holds the hope of witnessing a mammalian spectacle that has made Caraca famous: each evening for many years the monks have placed food on the monastery steps, and on most nights a single maned wolf or a pair quietly appears to accept the offering. A rare sight indeed.